From Shell Gasoline to West Seattle Cleaners: A look back at 4528 Fauntleroy Way | History

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society shared these pictures of the property at 4528 Fauntleroy Way. While the building houses a dry cleaning business today, it used to be the home of Shell Gasolines & Oils, owned by Tom Burnill and Bert Nicholson. The station sold Indian and US tires. Burnill and Nicholson also operated a Shell station at 4720 California Ave.

According to the historical society, gasoline prices in the 1920s averaged 20-22 cents per gallon at Tom Burnill and Bert Nicholson's Shell Service Station. Hand pumped gasoline was visible in a clear glass cylinder atop the pump, so customers could see what they were purchasing and was then gravity fed into the automobile.

A big thank you to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society for providing us pictures, stories and valuable information on Alki’s history. The society is located at the Loghouse Museum, which is open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Those interested in West Seattle history should check out their latest publication: Images of America: West Seattle.

Like this post? Check out our look at the Alki Bakery/Richey's Pharmacy.